It’s sandal weather, at last!
Sturdy summer sandals on. Photo: Claire Pepper
Now that the summer pedicure is sorted (and a very last-minute holiday booked), I can think about taking my socks off, at last. On vacation, my go-to sandals are Teva Originals or navy Eva Birkenstocks for the beach, white Birkenstock Arizona for day-tripping. Comfortable and sturdy with a good grip, these sporty styles are now apparently being called ‘Tourist Sandals,’ although they’re equally suited to pavement-pounding back in London. The pre-pedicure photograph above features Grenson’s Willa sandal (borrowed for the shoot and returned) – a fine, hand-painted leather, slingback sandal with a leather-covered, moulded footbed. Perfect with my cropped jeans from COS, but equally lovely with the not-too-dressed-up dress, a wafty kaftan or rolled-up jeans.
To me, the resurgence of barely there, spindly sandals this summer looks like several months in a plaster cast waiting to happen. As an advocate of sensible shoes, I will be firmly sticking to flat run-around styles. There are three things I want from a pair of summer sandals: pared-down design, bunion coverage and a sturdy sole. Yep, I like my footwear strong and stable.
For proper old-school sandals with the strong scent of nostalgia – not too dissimilar to the leather sandals I wilfully scuffed in the school playground – go straight to Church’s. I can often be found sightseeing outside the Regent Street store (the prices have more than doubled since Prada bought the company). Described as ‘the kind of sandal that doesn’t mind a structured look’, Kelsey is the perfect accompaniment to a pinstriped linen trouser suit or pleat-front trousers. And, I’ve spotted several gentlewomen-about-town wearing & Other Stories open-toed Diagonal Slingback leather sandals and the similarly chunky leather sandals at Cos. Sturdy sandals look brilliant and could create a serious stomp. Not that there’ll be any of that kind of behaviour from this quarter…
More sturdy sandals you can walk in:
Please note affiliate links in this post may generate commission.
This feature is based on a feature written for the Financial Times How To Spend It HERE and extracts from Know Your Style available HERE
Discussion (33 Comments)
maudie says:
Yay, sandal weather! No sunshine but at least it is warmer. My go to’s are white Birkie Arizonas, my lovely new Camper Misia’s in black, a pair of Hudson sandals (about 5 years’ old) very similar to the Church’s one’s and old, beaten up brogues without socks. I agree, the spindly sandals are an accident waiting to happen and, personally, I think they look quite daft! You have obviously booked your holly as in the photo shoot you look incredibly relaxed and chuffed. A great photo of you!
Sara says:
Love warm(er) weather for the opportunity to live in my beloved flip flops. Just discovered Tkees, which have a fab range and some (limited) stockists in UK. With wide feet, I find anything which has a strap or band across my toes uncomfortable when it gets hot and feet swell, hence the flip flop. I acknowledge little support but they are so close to bare feet that they do the job for me. I wear them around the house all year round so my “best” ones come into their own now. Can walk miles in them! Not so good when it rains, but what sandal is? Also, with not-so-small feet, any dark clunky sandal that looks great on others(see your pics, Alyson) makes me look as if I have gigantic clumps on the ends of my legs or as if I’m channelling Minnie Mouse..
Love shoes, so this is a great post.Wynn Whitehead says:
I really love receiving this email but take issue with the price of clothes, some are eye watering and I really think we should take into account that many households manage on less than £100 a week. It’s rare to see an item of clothing that I would consider “reasonable”.
Thank you for following That’s Not My Age and for commenting, Lynn. I do try to include a range of prices (my Teva sandals were £40, Eva Birkenstocks, £30 and there are a pair of sandals from M&S at £19.50) but I would always recommend investing in good quality shoes that are designed to last.
Mystykyn says:
I personally prefer Gizeh Birkenstocks., but if we all liked the same things there wouldn’t be enough to go round.
Elizabeth Green says:
I loved this optimistic article, sitting here in the pouring rain and gloom of a Scottish June Monday morning! (They promise it will change). I’m with you on the Teva’s for holidays and have not worn high strappy sandals for years, although I could never throw away my Prada strappy fairly high flatforms, a sale indulgence I’ve never regretted. Flat chunky sandals are now my go to and I’m going to check out all your recommendations. But, have you ever tried Varcas, the classic Majorcan sandal style. They do a lightweight sole version which are great for packing, putting in a bag for a change on the go, and they are ultra comfortable. I’m not sure of the ethics of mentioning a brand, I’m just a fan and have no connection with the company, I must be on my 8th pair, such delicious colours too.
Thanks Elizabeth, I’m always happy for readers to share suggestions – and I do like the look of the Varcas with the white rubber sole.
Lizzie Guinn says:
My go-to sandal for over 20 years has been Mephisto Helen. I have had them in about a dozen different colours, have walked all day in them as the shaped foot-bed and toe post make them comfortable and supportive despite being backless. And – I can usually get them online in my ridiculous size 35…..! I’ve never got on with Birkenstock’s but love Mephistos – some of the colours are glamorous as well as practical.
Mrs Tonia says:
I have an old pair of Mephisto bronze sandals with adjustable straps not the style you mention. Still going strong and they are sturdy. Not inexpensive but an investment buy and so comfortable for my large feet with a high arch. Euro pound exchange rate decline since 2016 referendum makes them pricier than they once were. Many great styles in the new summer range including ones with a higher cork wedge.
Re Birkenstock sandals they are a bit wide for my feet but got a pair with two straps across toes in silver a few years ago in a French shoe shop. They may be a narrower shape which works better for my foot shape. I’m now wearing an inspired by version in a pewter leather of the Arizona two buckle style. Extreme comfort and adjustable straps which I made looser in the heat. I also rate Fitflops. I got two pairs when they first appeared. The plastic moulded sole and inside isn’t as nice as a leather lined shoe but better around water and pools.I have a pair of Mephisto Helen and find them, probably, more comfortable than Birkenstocks. My first pair of Mephisto Helen’s were eaten by foxes when I left them outside for a ‘freshen up’! My replacement one’s were around £60 five summers ago and are still going strong. The ‘cost per wear’ ethos really does make amazing sense. (Birkies do better colours, ‘though?). ps Wynn Whitehead – MOST of my clothes come from charity shops and ebay – I can buy far better quality and workmanship for a little bit of legwork and patience. Sometimes also a pair of sharp scissors and a basic sewing kit. Pinterest/this gorgeous blog and looking around at people that I consider stylish are what inspire my judicious purchases. I used to buy footwear too – UNTIL I got the dreaded fungus on my toenails and now footwear is the one thing that I always buy new.
Thank you for your reply. However, my point is ” investing in good quality shoes designed to last” is not within the reach for a huge number of women and citing MS sandals at £19.50 is really not the norm for this blog. Im really not attempting to be picky but i think the response is a bit disingenuous.
My response is honest, Wynn. By mentioning M&S (who I’ve worked with in the past), I was simply pointing out the price range featured in the post. I regularly recommend looking at what you have in your wardrobe rather than spending money, or buying vintage/second-hand/ from charity shops – and lots of people use That’s Not My Age for inspiration. I realise that a lot of people are having a hard time right now because of austerity measures, I am just trying to do the best I can. It would be disingenuous of me to recommend products that I don’t believe in.
Isobel says:
I agree that some of us are on very low, fixed incomes, myself included, and I shop almost exclusively at thrift shops, but I read TNMA for inspiration. When I love a particular outfit/item pictured, I really, truly find it so much fun to go through my (small) wardrobe and put together whatever I’ve got that gives me a similar look! Having said that, I haven’t been able to find any sturdy, stylish sandals second-hand, so I’ve had to save up for them, and am looking forward to wearing them next summer (and for many more to come if they’re as long lasting as they’re meant to be!).
Val says:
Lol. I think this is the first mention of the B word on a blog – bunions. Why do most shoe companies think we all have perfect feet? With two bar sandals, flat or otherwise, they always put the thin strap across the toe area and the wider one higher up the foot where almost nobody has issues. The first company that thinks of reversing this will probably increase their sales by 30%. I’ve struggled to find neat, fashionable sandals that cover the bunions throughout my life mainly because that front strap is just too narrow. Recently, Palmeiras have saved the day for me.
One has to look and shop around for styles that both cover up bunions and don’t cause too much friction and pain in that area. Such things exist and have to be searched for. When I’m at home I tend to get out of any sandals which rub and change into flip flops so air circulates around foot. Or go barefoot. Chiropedists always recommend this. Foot files also really help pressure points on feet and callouses. Using these on sides of big toes and balls of feet really makes all shoes more comfortable. Again Chiropedist recommend doing this on dry not wet skin and using foot cream after baths or showers. I’m not so good at doing so daily. It’s sticky if applied to soles and heels so requires washable flip flops. A good brand of foot cream I found in a health food shop is the German brand Lavera for natural creams.
Liz Andersson says:
Birkenstock make a soft footbed range which I’m very interested in. Usual styles but even more comfortable.
Nicole in the US says:
Thanks for the quick overview. Tevas Midform are for me, a slight platform. I also love Paul Green shoes and sandals. Not inexpensive, but I will skip clothes for well made shoes any day. I have many pairs that I’ve worn for decades with repairs from a good cobbler.
I don’t understand the complaints about the costs of items you share. I find it a form of “shaming.” Yes, many of the items are beyond reach, but if it is something I believe will be a good addition to my wardrobe, I take it as inspiration and delve in to finding an alternative in my price range (eBay, consignment shops, sales, etc.) can all be good places to look if you really need and want a similar item.
Thanks for sharing your style and knowledge of style with us. I have received a wonderful education for free by following you!
Johanne Taylor says:
I so agree regarding the free education! I subscribe to a range of blogs for inspiration and intel sharing- not only from authors but from those commenting too.
It is true that complaints about the cost of items seems to be a form of shaming. Perhaps if you find looking at items outside your budget makes you uncomfortable you need to search for other sources that are more appropriate to your needs.I wholly agree with this opinion, that of Nicole above and how Alyson explains her brief. Like others I read this and magazines I read online or on paper as a source of visual inspiration : colour schemes, proportions , mixing up patterns, trouser lengths, shoe styles etc. Then I try to dress myself with what I own within these looks. That’s what “styling” is about. If I am saving up to buy something say in a sale at half price or at a designer discount outlet or TK Maxx it helps to know what I am looking for. And as Maudie says having a pair of cutting out shears, a stocked sewing kit, and the skills to transform a piece of clothing go a long way to customising a look : shortening of sleeves and hems, converting a dress into a skirt, adding darts to modify the shape of a garment . All very useful when trying to dress well on a budget, with more dash than cash !
Jeanne Edwards says:
I buy Clarks shoes, usually in the sales at half price, (June and January). which are leather. Last summer I bought 2 pairs at less than half price! Last week, I bought a pair of metallic pinky/beige pair of loafers, with a thick white sole,, reduced to £27 from £54. Not only wonderfully comfy but goes with crops and jeans. In January, I shall look out for a darker pair. Recently, Shoe Zone opened a huge, lovely bright store in our town, and I was absolutely amazed at the selection and styles available and very reasonably priced – they also stock other brands. I picked up a pair of low wedges for under £20 to go with a culotte dress I recently bought…….so it’s worth shopping around !
Jeanne
I’ve already decided that I need really comfy, sturdy, stable sandals for next summer (5-6 months away), so plan to try on some Birkinstocks for the first time. However, unless I can get the style with a strap around the heel (Milano?) locally, I will have to buy them online (another first!), which makes me a bit nervous.
Treas says:
Milano’s are the go! for feet which walk “out of ” the Birkenstock slide style. No strain on toes trying to grip–Tried a black pair and quickly invested in a white, worn for two Australian summers now, with many more to come, am sure. Love all the ideas here on this page, even if the exchange rate does make the desirable purchase a little less accessible at times. What is style without the aspirational element of desire after all ?
Alice says:
Dr Marten’s ‘Voss’ are brilliant for bunion coverage while also looking very modern – I’m considering getting a second pair. As noted above, 99% sandals seem designed to showcase bunions, yet so many women have them!
Maisie says:
I’m wearing my trusty Teva’s for the third summer. And thanks to a comment on a recent post I’ve discovered Hotter shoes and bought my first pair of sandals from them. They are blissfully comfortable and cover my bunion quite well. I can definetely recommend ! TNMA is always inspiring and informative !
Elizabeth Velasquez says:
The Row’s Fisherman sandal will be my go to sandal this summer. Not sexy, but sturdy, practical and comfortable
As a “ newbie “ to TNMA the ideas are great. 30 years of working in corporate left me struggling with my new venture clothes. Most of my previous outfits and shoes went to the local charity shop. Including the dreaded high heels ! Great to see flat shoes and no faffe clothes . Love the variety of topics and the podcasts.
I do love these vintage style culottes teamed with a black top and black leather sandals. An overall retro style makes this outfit a must-try! Lov!
XOXO,
LadyFashioniser
http://ladyfashioniser.com/Catherine says:
I don’t think anyone has mentioned Sole Bliss shoes which are specifically made for women with bunions. They don’t do a sandal as such but have just added a flat slingback to their range and a ballerina pump. They’re very clever with a specially made cushion inside. The first time for years, I’ve been able to wear a half-way elegant pointed shoe. Worth having a look at. Wolky is another brand that does really comfortable sandals and shoes especially if you like a clumpy look. I can’t wear the ordinary cork footbed Birkenstocks but love my more flexible plastic ones.
Sarah 
Laura 
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Strong and stable sandals I like that description. And I agree. Recently in a big city when temperatures rose to 30 degrees the lace ups and socks had to come off. I was wearing a pair of mock Birkenstock Arizona sandals mostly. So comfortable and lined with leather. For walking around more support around ankle is needed and nothing too rigid as feet swell in the heat. I have a reliable pair of tourist type walking sandals in a metallic dark green leather by Arche with leather lining Velcro straps around ankle and thick cushioned rubber sole. Ideal. Yesterday I wore a smart pair with a white wedge, flat form type sole with chartreuse leather straps and buckles. By the end of the afternoon of walking around one strap had unglued itself from sole Feet looked good but these shoes proved useless.
Like Alyson my toes need professional care now for expected heatwave later in week.
I did a poor job with foot files, foot cream and DIY polish job. Adequate last week but now needs proper pedicure.
Have fun in the sun while away.